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2007 Houston Astros Baseball Preview

The Houston Astros (82- 80) did not make it into the post season
last year. In 2005, they won the NL Pennant and the year before
they were in the playoffs. Will this year be part of a downward
trend or will last year merely be an anomaly? We would bet
this will be and here is why.

Andy Pettitte is gone but RHP Roy Oswalt (15- 8, 2.98 ERA) is
back and that’s good news. RHP Jason Jennings (9- 13, 3.78
ERA), who has done exceedingly well in the inhospitable Coors
Field, the home of his former team Colorado, replaces Pettitte.
RHP Woody Williams (12- 5, 3.65 ERA), a 39- year old vet from
San Diego, looks like a good signing. But after that, the rotation
has two gaping holes. In 2006, closer Brad Lidge (1- 5, 5.28 ERA,
32 SV) did not repeat his 2005 performance of saving 42 of 46
with a 2.29 ERA. Can he come back? Set-up specialist Dan Wheeler
is one of the best.

The big signing on offense was power man Carlos Lee (.304 AVG,
116 RBI, 37 HR). First baseman Lance Berkman (.315 AVG, 136 RBI,
45 HR) can clear the bases, while second baseman Craig Biggio
offers some additional clout, having sent 21 balls out of the
park last season. Still, the Astros’ .255 batting average
was the worst in the NL last season. If the batting average doesn't
improve this will be a team to fade with our baseball
picks all season long. If you cant hit and cant score, winning
games will be very tuff.

The team was first in fielding percentage at .987 and fourth
in double plays. Adam Everett is one of the best shortstops in
the game. The outfield may be an adventure with Lee in left and
former defensive standout center fielder Willy Taveras gone and
being replaced by utility man Chris Burke.

Manager Phil Garner’s contract has been extended through
2008. He’s got a good team and has proven to be an able
coach.

The Astros have finished either first or second in 12 of their
past 13 seasons. But with aging players and little offense there’s
cause for concern. Will they flourish or flounder, grab our premium
daily MLB predictions
on a game by game basis.

2007 MLB Preview

All 30 MLB teams are covered in our annual 2007
MLB season preview from Maddux Sports. We have broken down the teams
into the divisions the play in. To find the baseball preview of your
favorite team click on the division they play in and read up on our
division predictions as well as individual MLB team previews. Click
here to return to the current baseball preview page.

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